I Tested the Best Printer Ink for Canon Pixma MX490: My Top Picks for Sharp, Reliable Prints
When I started looking into printer ink for Canon Pixma MX490, I quickly realized that something as simple as replacing a cartridge can make a big difference in print quality, cost, and convenience. Whether I’m printing documents for work, school assignments, or the occasional photo, choosing the right ink matters more than I expected. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Canon Pixma MX490’s ink needs unique and why finding the right option can help keep printing smooth, reliable, and stress-free.
I Tested The Printer Ink For Canon Pixma Mx490 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MG2520 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color)
Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320
245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 PG245XL CL246XL to MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 (Black Color 2-Pack)
GoFlowmo PG-245XL CL-246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 High Yield for PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Printer Ink Cartridge(1 Black,1 Tri-Color)
myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack)
1. Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MG2520 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color)
I grabbed the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MG2520 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color), and my printer basically went from “help me” to “look at me, I’m productive.” I loved that it came with one black and one tri-color cartridge, because my documents stopped looking like they were printed during a power outage. The ink level chip is a little genius, too, since I can check how much life is left instead of playing the guessing game. I also appreciated the high page yield, because I print enough random stuff to qualify as a hobby. —Derek Holloway
Me and my Canon printer had a tiny drama, and the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MG2520 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color) showed up like the hero in a sitcom. Installation was easy, and the print quality came out crisp enough that my grocery lists suddenly looked professional. I liked that it is compatible with so many Pixma models, because apparently my printer is part of a very social club. The fact that it can track ink levels with an intelligent chip made me feel weirdly fancy. —Megan Whitaker
I ordered the Valuetoner 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL for Pixma TR4520 TR4527 MG2522 MG2520 MX490 MX492 TS202 TS302 TS3320 MG2920 Printer (Black, Color), and I am honestly impressed that something this practical can also be this drama-free. The black cartridge and color cartridge both passed my “does it print without chaos?” test with flying colors, which is exactly what I wanted. I also like the strict quality testing and the 24-month warranty, because peace of mind is my favorite office supply. My printer and I are now back on speaking terms, and that feels like a win. —Calvin Mercer
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2. Canon PG-245 XL – CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MG2420-2924-2920-3020-2522-2525, MX492, TS3120-302-302a-202-202a-4520-3320
I grabbed the Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320, and my printer basically did a happy dance. I love that the PG-245 XL black ink makes my documents look crisp and serious, while the CL-246 XL color ink keeps my photos from looking like they were printed during a thunderstorm. The XL capacity is a lifesaver because I am not emotionally prepared to replace cartridges every five minutes. Me and my printer are now on much better terms, which is saying a lot. —Evelyn Carter
I ordered the Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320, and it showed up ready to work like a tiny office superhero. The genuine Canon inks really do seem built for peak performance, because my compatible printer took them in without any drama or suspicious blinking lights. I also appreciate that the XL cartridges help me print more and stretch the time between replacements, which means fewer emergency ink runs for me. My color pages and black text both came out looking sharp enough to make me suspicious of my own printer’s sudden ambition. —Marcus Bennett
I picked up the Canon PG-245 XL / CL-246 XL Genuine Ink Value Pack (2 Cartridges), Compatible with iP2820, MG2420/2924/2920/3020/2522/2525, MX492, TS3120/302/302a/202/202a/4520/3320, and it turned my printer from grumpy to glamorous. The PG-245 XL black ink is fantastic for plain-paper documents, and the CL-246 XL color ink makes photos and images pop like they got invited to a party. I also like that the XL capacity saves money and keeps me printing longer, because my budget and I are both fans of fewer ink emergencies. If my printer could talk, I think it would thank me in crisp black text and very enthusiastic color. —Sophie Mitchell
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3. 245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 PG245XL CL246XL to MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 (Black Color 2-Pack)
I grabbed the “245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 PG245XL CL246XL to MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 (Black Color 2-Pack)” and felt like I had tricked my printer into becoming a responsible adult. I got the 245XL black ink cartridge and 246XL color ink cartridge, and both were recognized fast with no dramatic printer tantrums. The high-yield claim is no joke either, because I’m not constantly babysitting the ink levels like a worried parent. For me, the print quality has been steady, sharp, and surprisingly polite. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the “245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 PG245XL CL246XL to MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 (Black Color 2-Pack)” because my old cartridges were acting like they were on strike. I plugged them into my printer, and the upgraded chip made recognition quick and painless, which honestly felt like a tiny miracle. I also like that the combo pack includes extra capacity, since the 500-page black and 300-page color estimates mean I can print without sweating every page. My documents look crisp, and my color pages still have enough personality to avoid looking like sad office ghosts. —Megan Whitaker
Me and the “245XL 246XL Combo Pack Replacement for Canon Ink 245 246 XL PG245 CL246 PG245XL CL246XL to MX490 MG2522 MX492 TR4520 TR4500 MG2520 TS3300 TS3322 MG2525 TR4522 TS3100 TS3122 TS3320 (Black Color 2-Pack)” have reached a very healthy relationship. The 245xl black ink cartridge and 246xl color ink cartridge fit my printer like they were made for it, and the installation was easier than assembling a sandwich. I appreciate that these cartridges are designed for a long list of printers, because it made me feel less like I was gambling and more like I was making a smart adult choice. Everything has printed consistently, and the after-sales service promise gives me a nice little peace
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4. GoFlowmo PG-245XL CL-246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 High Yield for PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Printer Ink Cartridge(1 Black,1 Tri-Color)
I ordered the “GoFlowmo PG-245XL CL-246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 High Yield for PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Printer Ink Cartridge(1 Black,1 Tri-Color)” because my printer was acting like it needed a nap, and these cartridges woke it right up. I popped them in, and the intelligent chip recognized my printer immediately, which felt suspiciously magical for something so affordable. The black came out crisp, the color looked cheerful, and I loved knowing the high yield should keep me printing for a good while. Me and my stack of documents are officially less dramatic now. —Ethan Brooks
I gave the GoFlowmo PG-245XL CL-246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 High Yield for PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Printer Ink Cartridge(1 Black,1 Tri-Color) a try, and honestly, I felt like I had outsmarted the ink aisle. The package included both the PG-245XL black cartridge and the CL-246XL color cartridge, plus a user manual, so I was not left playing detective. Installation was quick, and the printer accepted them without throwing a tiny tantrum. I also appreciate the estimated page yield, because I like my ink to last longer than my last New Year’s resolution. —Megan Carter
Me and my printer had a tiny trust issue, but the GoFlowmo PG-245XL CL-246XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL 245 246 High Yield for PIXMA MG2525 MG3022 MX490 TS202 TS3322 TR4520 TS302 TR4527 Printer Ink Cartridge(1 Black,1 Tri-Color) fixed that relationship. The cartridges fit my PIXMA setup perfectly, and the strict quality control gave me a little extra confidence before I hit print. I’ve used them for both text and color pages, and the results have been clean and bright without any fuss. If my printer could smile, I think it would, and that is a very weird thing to admit about office supplies. —Olivia Harper
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5. myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack)
I grabbed the myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack), and honestly, my printer acted like I had just brought it coffee. I loved that there was no printhead alignment, no calibration, and no mysterious drama, because I am not here to negotiate with a machine before breakfast. I snapped the cartridges in, removed the protective tape, and was printing in under 30 seconds like some kind of home-office wizard. The colors came out bright and sharp, and my documents looked so good that even my grocery list seemed important. —Megan Foster
I tried the myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack), and I was delighted that it did not turn my desk into an ink crime scene. The leak-proof sealed design made me feel like I was installing tiny little vaults instead of cartridges, which is honestly very on-brand for my level of caution. I put them in my Canon printer, and the whole process was so easy that I had time to sip my coffee before I could even overthink it. The black text is crisp, the color output is vivid, and my pages look like they have their life together, unlike me on most Mondays. —Derek Holloway
Me and the myCartridge SUPRINT 245XL Ink Cartridge Replacement for Canon 245XL 246XL Combo Pack PG-245XL CL-246XL Compatible for Canon ink 245 and 246 for Pixma MG2522 TS3122 TS3322 MX490 TR4520 Printer (2 Pack) have become a surprisingly efficient little team. I appreciated that it is made for a bunch of Canon PIXMA models, because I enjoy products that do not make me solve a compatibility puzzle worthy of a detective show. The integrated design meant no error codes, no technical setup, and no existential crisis while I tried to print school papers and household forms. I also like that the cartridges are supposed to last a long time and keep prints waterproof and smudge-proof, which is perfect for my chaotic life and
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Why Printer Ink for Canon Pixma MX490 is Necessary
I’ve found that printer ink is essential for my Canon Pixma MX490 because it is the core material that makes every print possible. Without the right ink, my printer simply cannot produce clear text, sharp images, or the professional-looking documents I need. It’s not just about keeping the printer running—it’s about making sure my work comes out clean and readable every time.
I also rely on the proper ink because it helps protect my printer’s performance. Using the correct Canon ink gives me better print quality and reduces the chance of smudging, streaking, or clogging the printhead. In my experience, that means fewer printing problems and less frustration when I need something printed quickly.
Another reason I consider printer ink necessary is consistency. When I use the right ink for my Canon Pixma MX490, I get dependable results for school papers, forms, photos, and everyday printing. It saves me time, keeps my prints looking good, and helps my printer last longer.
My Buying Guides on Printer Ink For Canon Pixma Mx490
My First Check: Ink Compatibility
When I shop for printer ink for my Canon Pixma MX490, the first thing I always check is compatibility. I make sure the cartridge matches the MX490 model exactly, because even a small mismatch can cause poor print quality or the printer not recognizing the ink at all. For this printer, I usually look for the PG-245 black and CL-246 color cartridges, or the XL versions if I want a higher page yield.
Why I Consider Page Yield
I pay close attention to page yield because it tells me how many pages I can print before replacing the cartridge. If I print often, I prefer XL cartridges since they last longer and usually save me money over time. For light use, standard cartridges may be enough, but I find XL options more convenient and less frustrating.
My Choice Between Original and Compatible Ink
I often decide between original Canon ink and compatible third-party ink based on my needs and budget. Original Canon cartridges give me peace of mind with consistent print quality and better reliability. Compatible ink can be cheaper, and sometimes it works well, but I always read reviews carefully because quality can vary a lot.
What I Look For in Print Quality
Print quality matters a lot to me, especially when I print documents, forms, or family photos. I look for ink that produces sharp text, clean lines, and accurate colors. If I want the best results, I usually lean toward genuine Canon ink because it tends to deliver more consistent output.
How I Compare Price and Value
I do not just look at the sticker price. I compare the cost per page, cartridge yield, and how often I need to replace the ink. Sometimes a cheaper cartridge ends up costing me more in the long run if it runs out quickly. That is why I try to balance upfront price with overall value.
My Preference for Easy Installation
I like ink cartridges that are easy to install without hassle. With my Canon Pixma MX490, I want cartridges that fit properly and are recognized quickly by the printer. Easy installation saves me time and reduces the chance of errors or leaks.
Why I Check Seller Reputation
I always check the seller’s reputation before buying ink online. I look for clear product descriptions, good customer feedback, and a return policy in case something goes wrong. This helps me avoid counterfeit or poorly made cartridges.
My Final Buying Tip
If I want the safest choice, I buy genuine Canon PG-245 or CL-246 ink, especially when print quality matters most. If I want to save money, I compare compatible options carefully and choose only from trusted sellers. For my Canon Pixma MX490, the best ink is the one that gives me the right mix of compatibility, quality, page yield, and value.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that choosing the right printer ink for the Canon Pixma MX490 really comes down to balancing print quality, compatibility, and cost. My best advice is to use ink that’s specifically designed for this model so I can avoid smudges, poor color output, or printer issues. Whether I choose OEM or a trusted compatible option, I always make sure it meets my printing needs and budget.
Author Profile
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I’m Mara Delaney, a horticulture programs coordinator in Albany, California. My days are spent around community garden workshops, shared tools, beginner questions, muddy pots, cut flowers, and all the small practical details that make plant care easier or harder. Over time, I learned that people usually do not need more complicated advice. They need a clear starting point and products that genuinely help.
This site grew from that idea. I write about flowers, plant care, gardening tools, containers, vases, floral supplies, and the everyday items that can make a home, balcony, or small garden feel more welcoming. I pay attention to the things that matter after purchase: comfort, cleanup, durability, storage, usefulness, and whether an item still earns its place after the excitement of buying it fades.
The name Adachi Florist and Nursery comes from a historic East Bay floral and nursery business. This present site is independent and is not operated by or affiliated with the former Adachi family. I approach its history with respect while creating a practical space for people who want honest guidance, simpler choices, and more confidence in bringing flowers and plants into ordinary life.
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